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Ten arrested in Rifle meth investigation

Ten suspects were arrested in connection with a methamphetamine investigation in Rifle by the multijurisdictional Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team.

In a news release distributed by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, TRIDENT said it served two search warrants about 4 a.m. Monday in Rifle, with the help of the All Hazard Response Team, Eagle County Response Team and local law enforcement agencies.

In addition to those in custody, three suspects have told law enforcement they plan to turn themselves in, two are out of town and two haven’t been located, TRIDENT said. It provided no names of arrestees.

TRIDENT said it began purchasing meth in the Rifle area in May, with the first transaction involving a suspect and several associates. After more purchases, TRIDENT began targeting the supply source and additional dealers.

During 17 transactions covering four months, officers seized a total of 117 grams of meth and 1.4 grams of hashish, TRIDENT said.

“These suspects are considered to have significant involvement in the drug trade within Garfield County, which has a severe and negative impact on our communities. The abuse of drugs is not a benign problem. It goes well beyond the negative effects to the individual. The suspects involved in this investigation have a combined past record of over 70 non-drug related arrests and charges, ranging from DUI, burglary, assaults, weapons charges, and sex assaults, which impacts us all,” TRIDENT said.